Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 August 1895 — WILD ANIMAL FARM. [ARTICLE]

WILD ANIMAL FARM.

Breeding a Menagerie In ■ Florida Jungle. A wild animal stock farm lu semitropical Florida is the scheme that a circus firm is talking of starting. The land, ‘ a plot about six miles square, has been surveyed, it is said, and the firm proposes to go ahead next fall and turn the circus animals out to jungle instead of going into winter quarters. The circus men,, claim that not only can they in this way provide themselves with wild animals, instead of being obliged to go to Africa and India for specimens, but in addition they expect do be able to supply animals for the zoological exhibits of tho country. The firm claims to have secured an option on a tract of land in the extreme southern part of Florida, about one-half of the thickest, densest swamp jungle possible to imagine. An old traveler in India and Africa, who was sient there to look the ground over, soys that it comEares favorably with any jangle he as ever seen in the Orient. The entire section of land will be divided by solid walls of iron fencing so as to keep animals that will not affiliate separate. It is proposed to first lay a strong foundation, then build a low wall of brick some three or four feet high, and then imbed in this to a height of twelve feet more a strong iron fence. The idea is to turn the beasts loose in their respective inclosures, and let them follow their natural inclinations and habits just as they would in their native jungle. As the animals to be propagated are principally of the carnivorous family there will also be bred such smaller animals as they naturally prey upon for food. Special attention will also be given to the breeding of giraffe, camels, zebras, quaggas and other members of the herbivorous family. In order to protect their preserves a concrete walk will be laid just outside and extending around the entire wall, and watchmen on bicycles wilt make a tour as often as practicable of the entire lnclosure. Certain grasses and herbs indigenous to the countries from which the animals are to be brought will be first planted, in order to provide, as nearly as possi--ble, native foods. ,An interesting feature of this zoological jungle will be the monkey farm. In this section several acres will be devoted to orange, banana and nut trees, all of which grow naturally there. A wooden frame work, extending above the height of the trees and completely surrounding the farm will Ut built. —New York Press.